Lafon-Rochet is a "Quatrième Grand Cru Classé" château in Saint-Estèphe, the northernmost of the four local appellations on the Médoc peninsula. Only five of the more than 50 châteaux in Saint-Estèphe are Grand Cru vineyards.
Lafon-Rochet is one of the oldest châteaux in the region, with origins dating back to the 16th century. Over the centuries, the vineyards have been constantly expanded and improved. in 1960, the Tesseron family took over and began the complete restructuring and modernisation.
The last change of ownership took place in 2021 with the Lorenzetti family, who already own three other châteaux in Margaux, Pauillac and Saint-Estèphe.
The 45-hectare vineyard stretches over two hilltops in Saint-Estèphe. Various gravel deposits and blue clay characterise the soil structure. "On the one hand, the gravel provides excellent natural drainage, which is ideal for our Cabernet Sauvignons. On the other hand, the clay regulates the natural water resources and provides the perfect balance for our vines."
Cabernet Sauvignon (48 %) and Merlot (45 %) are cultivated, supplemented by Petit Verdot (3.5 %) and Cabernet Franc (3.5 %). The vines are on average 38 years old. Some plots were planted over 80 years ago.
Since 2020, the vineyards have been converted to organic farming. The sustainable orientation is reflected, for example, in a 3-hectare nature reserve, in the greenery between the rows of vines, the planting of hedges, trees and shrubs in the plots. A wide range of measures prevent overheating and soil erosion and promote biodiversity.
The fermentation cellar, built in 2015, has 21 concrete and 19 stainless steel tanks for the harvest. Fermentation and maceration take place gently over a period of around three weeks. Some of the wines undergo malolactic fermentation in barriques. Ageing in barriques lasts between 12 and 14 months.
photos: Château Lafon-Rochet
